SCH wins Saga business at Port of Southampton

SCH will provide Saga ships with all baggage, porterage and stores services.

The two-year agreement starts immediately and, during the 2015 season, will see SCH service some 30 calls by Saga Pearl II and Saga Sapphire. Destinations will include the Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords, the Baltic, the Canary Islands, Canada and the Caribbean.

SCH will handle turnaround calls for Saga Pearl II, which accommodates some 450 passengers, and the Saga Sapphire, which carries some 720 passengers.

SCH’s cruise activity also includes operations in Portsmouth, Liverpool and Leith through its sister companies Cruise and Passenger Services and Southern Maritime Services.

'Our knowledge and expertise in cruise ship operations will help to ensure that Saga passengers enjoy an efficient and seamless service when they board or disembark their ships in Southampton,' said Kevin Hulme, SCH operations director. 'We look forward to playing our part in maintaining Saga’s established reputation for providing a high quality cruise experience.'

For his part, Richard Meikle, fleet director, Saga Cruises, said the company looks forward to working with SCH 'to ensure our passengers are provided with excellent service at the start and end of their cruise as well as ensuring that the ships are stored efficiently during busy turnaround days.'